Welcome to my “Every European City” series!
Over the course of month of April, I explore how Zurich, Switzerland, differs from the typical European city, or does it conform to some of these stereotypes after all?
Join me as we explore local quirks, sights, food, and traditions.
Granted, the airport is not on the “Itchy Feet” map, but it would really be just north, 10km (6 miles) from Zurich city center, off the map! Therefore, and because it is unique in my eyes (in the years 2000 to 2010 it was even renamed “Unique Airport” as part of the privatization of the airport) I dedicate this first post to Zurich Airport (ZRH), which opened in 1948.
While Geneva and Basel handle under 20 and 10 million passengers respectively, Zurich serves around 30 million annually. Impressive, though still modest compared to Heathrow’s 80 million or JFK’s 60 million.
European vs American airports:
When it comes to public transport access, European airports have a clear advantage, offering seamless connections to city centers. In terms of efficiency, Swiss and German airports set the global benchmark with their precise operations. Night flight bans from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. help minimize noise disturbances and maintain good relations with local communities. Additionally, European airports are often located much closer to city centers, making travel more convenient compared to many of their American counterparts.
🚇 All Aboard the Yodel Express! 🐄
Zurich Airport’s Skymetro shuttles passengers between the central terminal and Dock E, covering 1,138 meters (0.7 miles) underground. Along the way, travelers are treated to scenic Swiss landscapes, from Zermatt to the Matterhorn, displayed on the tunnel’s screens. Adding to the experience, an onboard "Heidi" announcement - complete with yodeling and cow sounds - welcomes visitors, much to the amusement (or mild embarrassment) of locals.
✈️ What’s new at ZRH?
Zurich Airport is undergoing several major upgrades to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and passenger experience. Dock A is being completely revamped with a focus on sustainability, while public spaces are set to become more spacious and attractive, thanks to a CHF 250 million investment in improved retail and amenities. The airport’s baggage system is also being modernized for faster and smarter sorting. Additionally, Zone West will see expanded hangar space to accommodate growing operational needs. Meanwhile, Dock B has already been successfully modernized.
🌍 ZRH’s global standing 🏆
Zurich Airport has been named the best airport in Europe 2024, maintaining its unbeaten streak in the ASQ Award's "Best Airport in Europe (25-40 Million Passengers)" category since 2018. The award, based on customer surveys, evaluates key aspects like infrastructure, cleanliness, and services. The downside? Shopping and dining are pricey, and everything shuts relatively early.
🛍️ Shopping at ZRH: Luxury, but not the biggest
Zurich Airport offers a high-end shopping experience, featuring luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Swiss staples like Lindt and Victorinox. While it competes well with European airports like Heathrow and Paris CDG, it lacks the vast scale of Dubai International. Compared to U.S. airports, ZRH stands out for its premium offerings, as American hubs tend to focus on practical shopping over luxury. One advantage, however, is that ZRH’s stores stay open every day until 9 PM, even on Sundays—a rare perk in Switzerland, though still somewhat limiting for late travelers.
🏢 The Circle: Great Concept, but No Shelter
Completed in 2020, The Circle at Zurich Airport is a modern complex that combines shopping, dining, and business facilities. It’s called The Circle because its design features circular architecture, which symbolizes the connection and flow of people between the airport, local transport, and the surrounding area. However, getting to The Circle means leaving the main terminal and facing the elements. Despite being a cutting-edge space, it lacks covered walkways, leaving visitors exposed to rain, snow, and heat—not ideal for travelers with luggage or tight schedules.
🍽️ Hidden gem 💎
Just five minutes from the terminal, Runway 34 serves food in a hangar-like space, run by aviation enthusiasts. Perfect for plane nerds and foodies alike! More info coming up this weekend.
👨🏼✈️ Family fun 🎉
Observation Deck B offers close-up views, periscopes, and an Airfield Adventure Trail for kids. We celebrated Colin’s 9th birthday right at Zurich Airport with a guided tour, hands-on activities, and even a chance to “co-pilot” an Edelweiss aircraft while taxiing. Pricey booking required over a year in advance, but it was worth every moment. Some of his friends, once afraid of flying, left the party begging their parents for a real flight adventure.
🫕 Fondue at the Gate - or by the Fireplace? 🔥
After check-in, you can grab a fondue at the Swiss Chalet in the airside center. However, the ambiance is far from a cozy alpine retreat - just a typical departure hall. If you're craving the full chalet experience, complete with wooden interiors, fur-covered seats, and a flickering fireplace, a five-minute drive takes you to Baracca Zermatt. Of course, true fondue perfection is best enjoyed in the Alps - but hey, this gets you close!
🍫 Speaking of Swiss clichés… ⌚
Yes, in addition to cheese, ZRH has chocolate, watches - and cows. You’ll spot them calmly pasturing in the meadow near the runway, unbothered by roaring jets.
🧘🏼♀️ Pre-Flight Zen: Alpacas over Anxiety? 🦙
It’s not just cows grazing near Zurich Airport - there’s a spot nearby where you can walk with alpacas or even do yoga. Maybe the airport should offer a pre-flight alpaca therapy program for nervous flyers. After all, who wouldn’t feel calmer boarding a plane after a relaxing stroll with these fluffy stress-relievers?
Whether you're a frequent flyer or just passing through, Zurich Airport has its fair share of quirks, surprises, and, yes, even a yodeling metro. Love it or roll your eyes at it, there's no denying that ZRH has its own unique charm.
What’s the most memorable or unexpected experience you’ve ever had at an airport - be it in Zurich or anywhere else in the world?
I got down at Zurich airport. I took the return flight also from there. Good to go back and think of my experience at that time. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy first post.
Advances in Engineering and Industrial Engineering - Relevance to Industrial Engineers and Industrial Engineering.
https://nraoiekc.blogspot.com/2025/04/advances-in-engineering-and-industrial.html
First, love that map!!! Inspiring me to try to create something like that for my hometown :) Second, copiloting an airplane, and that name - Edelweiss - I know my dh would be thrilled... Zurich is on my bucket list (someday)
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fun and fascinating read! I had no idea Zurich Airport had yodeling metros and fondue by the gate—now that’s peak Swiss charm! Loved all the quirky touches and little luxuries.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Zurich, but it's on my list! What a fun read! My boys would have loved to have had a birthday party there!!
ReplyDeleteWow, this whole post was fascinating! First, I loved the Itchy Feet picture!! And seeing Colin get out of whatever that contraption was, made me tear up. So those were my fave parts, but I'm in fully agreement about the alpacas. Any flight would feel more cozy after seeing them.
ReplyDeleteJamie (jannghi.blospot.com): I love that map! And the design on the plane is great!
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara, nice to meet you. Great post, but I have to ask… how many American airports have you been to? I haven’t been to that many either, but, I’m pretty sure that international airports are in major cities. We have many, many airports in the U.S.. Plus we have different types of airports to allow for different planes.
ReplyDeleteI’ve not been to Zurich, but your post is certainly giving me ideas. Thanks.
You take what could be mundane and turn it into compulsive reading Tamara, as always! Good luck with this year's theme...
ReplyDeleteI guess it's the public transportation that I find the most exciting. The airport in Buffalo, New York, has terrible public transportation options, which is discouraging. As far as the oddest experience I've had in an airport, I would say it would have to be in Las Vegas, Nevada. My plane wasn't even supposed to go there. But after that flight was cancelled in Chicago (I was scheduled for a three-hour layover), I was put on another flight and was told that I had ten minutes to get to the gate. I ran almost the entire time! When I arrived, I was told, "This is your lucky day. You're the last passenger to get on this flight."
ReplyDeleteThat flight took me to Las Vegas, which was not my final destination. The flight was originally scheduled to continue to my final destination, which was San Diego, California. When I got off the plane, I was informed that the flight crew was going back to their Houston hub and that I would have to ask for my next flight. I got that information and I went to the gate to wait for my next flight.
What an airport that was. It was not only an airport, it was a casino. I could hear the ding ding ding of slot machines everywhere. So bizarre, I thought, wondering if there were slot machines in the bathrooms. I don't think that I ever checked the bathrooms for slot machines, however. Before long, a voice came over the loudspeaker, announcing that my flight had a new gate. And not too close, either. I had to walk there. Fortunately, not run. I passed by all sorts of slot machines and even a few blackjack and craps tables. I tried not to laugh because I thought that airport and casino seemed very incongruous. I also thought that Las Vegas was built in an odd location. It's in the middle of a huge desert. I wondered who would do something like that. But whatever, I guess. Finally, I was able to get on an airplane and go to California.
Thank you fot bring back many memories of airport rendezvous - back in the day Newark Airport was the place to dine. In fact my family took me there the day I graduated college - no security but a lot of smiling helpful people.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post, Tamara! You've practically got me searching an excuse to fly into Zurich.
ReplyDeleteTamara, I chuckled through much of your piece! I love the cowbells on the Metro and the alpacas for yoga. Plus the cows ignoring the jet noise. After seeing the massive passenger stats for the different airports, I had to check Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Oh my! 52 million passengers last year. No wonder there's noise and air pollution-- I'm 5 minutes from Sky Harbor-- but I love it here.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the Zurich airport but it sounds like you'd hardly get bored when there! Interesting theme and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your posts! Happy A to Z!
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